12/28/2012

Postcard from Florida's Gulf Coast

TAMPA - It's worth noting that the end is near for Denard Robinson. Four days, in fact, remain in the quarterback-cum-tailback's career at the University of Michigan. He'll be remembered for a lot of things, and his sunny disposition won’t be forgotten, either.

In fact, Robinson looks past his statistical legacy with the Wolverines and considers what else he has brought to the table.

“One thing about me, my goal is to make somebody’s day every day,” Robinson said. “That’s what I try to do every day. I get a chance to be on this earth, I want to make somebody else’s day. That’s what I enjoy.”

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A few impressions of Tampa from a first-time visitor:

The traffic lights are really long. The red lights are ... but so are the green lights.

If you get a chance, take I-275 from Tampa through St. Petersburg and go across the Sunshine Skyway. It's worth the trip out of town and the $1.25 toll each way. A friendly reminder for crossing both bridges - make sure you fill up on gas. There are big Florida DOT signs that remind you to do so.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum is depressingly empty right now, no thanks to the NHL lockout. The big banners of Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier aren't helping.